Google Rolling out Service that Will Continually Check for Malware

We've been hearing this for years and years. That Android has all the malware, and which anti-virus app should users use on their device. We've even seen "reports" that show that Android gets almost all the malware compared to other platforms. Although I don't know anyone that has ever had malware on their phone. Recently, Google added the ability to check apps that you side load for malware. Which it works pretty well. But now it appears they are going to open that up to continually check for malware. So that means when you're downloading apps from the Play Store, Amazon's App Store and other places. According to The Verge, Google is rolling out an update that will bring this functionality. Once the update is rolled out, users who are attempting to install an app with malware in it will get a warning letting them know what's up. From there the user can choose to uninstall or abort installing it. Google says that unsafe apps are pretty rare and the risks are miniscule.

This update does aim to increase security on Android, but that's not going to prevent users from installing malicious apps, mostly from places outside of the Play Store. While Google's "bouncer" is still scanning apps that are in the Play Store to be sure they are safe, there's only so much they can do. I'd also say that if you're that worried about an application, be sure you read the reviews on the app first. If you see a lot of people giving it one or two star ratings, then you should probably steer clear of it. Apps like McAfee, Lookout, and other anti-virus apps seem unnecessary to me.

How many of our readers have had malware or a virus on their Android smartphone or tablet before? Be sure to let us know in the comments below.

Alex has written for Androidheadlines since 2012 as Editor of the site and traveled the World to many of the biggest Smartphone and Technology events. Alex has a background in Technology and IT and Deep Passion for Everything Android and Google. His specialties lay in Smartphones of all budgets, Accessories, Home Automation and more. Contact him at [email protected]